[Editorial] Jang Dong-hyuk, Who Incites Discord in the ROK-US Alliance, Has 'National Interest' in Mind?

The Hankyoreh editorial, "Jang Dong-hyuk, Who Incites Discord in the ROK-US Alliance, Has 'National Interest' in Mind?", strongly criticizes a recent opinion piece written by Jang Dong-hyuk, a leader of the People Power Party, for the American conservative outlet 'The Daily Caller'. Jang accused the current South Korean government of veering towards pro-China and pro-North Korea stances, thereby damaging the decades-old alliance with the United States.

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Is Jang Dong-hyuk not considering the national interest at all?

The editorial argues that Jang's piece is not only factually inaccurate but also dangerously divisive, especially at a time when international relations are volatile. By framing the South Korean government's policies as undermining the ROK-US alliance, Jang is accused of playing into the hands of pro-Trump factions in the US and exacerbating distrust. This move is seen as a calculated political maneuver to rally conservative voters domestically, particularly in the lead-up to the local elections.

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The current government has declared a 'full restoration' of relations with China and has stated its intention to 'respect' the North Korean regime.

Hankyoreh points out the specific claims made by Jang, including the government's declaration of 'full restoration' of relations with China, its stated 'respect' for the North Korean regime, its ban on distributing leaflets to the North, and its suggestion of reducing ROK-US joint military drills. Jang's assertion that South Korea's economic and security sovereignty is being gradually eroded is presented as a mischaracterization designed to create a narrative of an anti-American government.

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South Korea's economic and security sovereignty is being gradually eroded.

The editorial dismisses these claims as a form of 'us vs. them' diplomacy that serves short-term political gains at the expense of long-term national interests. It warns that aligning too closely with any single power bloc is a risky strategy that can ultimately backfire. Hankyoreh concludes by urging Jang to cease his divisive rhetoric, suggesting that his actions are making him a 'burden' rather than a source of 'strength' for the people.

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It seems as if they are trying to create a rift with the United States by framing the government as pro-China and anti-US during a time when South Korea's diplomatic capabilities are being tested by the US-Iran war and intensifying US-China competition.